The SolarSPELL Offline Digital library

Abstract

The role of technology and the Internet has significantly influenced learning opportunities and environments. However, for resource-constrained regions that lack reliable access to the Internet, or the electricity needed to power their devices, a striking disparity in access to educational resources emerges. This paper introduces SolarSPELL, a solar-powered offline digital library, designed to provide localized open-access educational content to the communities most at-risk for experiencing an educational divide. Through in-person interviews with the Peace Corps Volunteers utilizing SolarSPELL digital libraries in their sites, this study obtained qualitative data demonstrating the impact of SolarSPELL libraries in the field. Findings reflect the efficacy of SolarSPELL learning libraries in expanding access to the quantity and quality of resources available to these communities, the importance of providing digital content in a self-sustaining offline platform, and the ability of the SolarSPELL project to foster both information and technological literacy.